As we wrap up our presents, as well as the year, let's all take a moment and look back at what we've accomplished in the past 12 months. Post up a couple of pictures you're most pleased with, maybe some before/after sequences, projects you've completed, scenes that turned out just the way you wanted... or better. No voting, no challenge, just a little badly needed kum-baya around the campfire as we ring out the old year. Provide a little description if you like that describes why you chose the subject you chose.

If your layout has an Engineering Report on the forum, please provide a link to it in your post. If not, consider starting one. For the sake of the viewers, please direct any expanded commentary to the related Engineering thread, not here. If you wish to nod your approval, please do so briefly so as not to interrupt the slide show.

To get started, let me just say that I appreciate and value all that I learn from everyone who passes through these doors. I'm really looking forward to see what you regard as your best work.Thanks for playing along, and Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, what have you, to all of you.

I started with some scraps from a theater set and a handful of leftover buildings, and a goal of creating a backdrop for the station building I scratchbuilt for my old layout.

After years of trepidation about using Unitrak, I found it easy and reliable, at least in a modular setting, and it had the added bonus of providing a venue for me to operate my growing fleet of old retro equipment.

The modules also gave me a chance to work on a crowded urban scene, something that's always been fun for me.

It also gives me a nice photo backdrop to work with.

And of course, the best part of modular railroading, the ability to share it with your friends, anywhere, anytime!

Looking forward to putting some more work into the Retro Layout, so it can be a little more "ready for prime time"... Thanks to all for a good year.

This is not a criticism of double deck layouts... but I do have a question. How do you determine the height of each level given the height differences of the people operating the layout, which could be dramatic?

If your layout has an Engineering Report on the forum, please provide a link to it in your post. If not, consider starting one. For the sake of the viewers, please direct any expanded commentary to the related Engineering thread, not here. If you wish to nod your approval, please do so briefly so as not to interrupt the slide show.

As for deck height, I build the layout for me and my enjoyment. So I chose a height good for me. I'm short so it should be fine for most other people that stop by. If they have issues, they can chip in on the construction costs and we'll go from there 😁

Seeing this thread was a reminder of how little got done on the Oregon Joint Line this year. These shots are from the Snowline siding scene I finished back in February. It was the last big section of scenery to be completed on the layout other than the urban/industrial areas which I can't seem to get too excited about. And of course there were a few new Youtube videos which were very well received.

There's been zero progress on the Long Valley Branch this year, but I've been experimenting with different eras and railroads operating the Long Valley Branch. I've also been having fun creating employee timetables for the different railroads that have been operating the Long Valley Branch.

The railroad started off as a P&WV Branch line

Then the era and railroad shift began.

I even descended into PC madness for awhile.

But now I've almost come full circle.

I do not know in what direction the Long Valley Branch will head next year? I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and was able to spend some time with family and friends.I like to wish all my Railwire friends a Safe and Happy New Year.